do something

Don't stand idle

To do something is to take action rather than remain passive or inactive.

The phrase often carries implicit urgency or criticism: Don't just stand there—do something!

It can also express vague intention: We should do something about that leak.

In relationships, doing something may be a euphemism for sexual activity.

Related

implement · engage · perform · initiate · cooperate · take action · decide · resolve · hustle · roll up sleeves · invent · effort · put in work · pursue · aspire · act · attempt · take the plunge

Categories
Opposites
action versus inaction

do somethingdo nothing

Remain inactive deliberately

stand by · sit on one's hands · sit back · abstain · refrain

intervention versus non-intervention

do somethingstand aside

Move out of path

let it happen · leave well enough alone · look the other way · turn a blind eye · mind one's own business

productivity versus idleness

do somethingidle

Without activity or purpose

loaf · laze · waste time · twiddle one's thumbs · sit around

Family

done, doing, undone, something, does, doer, dost

Familiarity
Top 3,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Everyday, not technical · Rated G